Tiny Home, Big Health: Nontoxic Kitchen Essentials for My Truck Camper
Living in a truck camper I have separated myself from a lot of toxicity, not just my hometown drama but also nontoxic products. Many everyday products, from plastics to pesticides to personal care items, contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These chemicals mimic or interfere with naturally occurring hormones, potentially leading to a range of health problems affecting fertility and causing cancer. Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, are now found in our food, water, and even air leading to various problems including but not limited to inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, and chemical absorption. Some scientists have estimated the average person might eat 5 grams of microplastics in a week—about the weight of a credit card...yuck.
Healthy living doesn't have to take a backseat when your space is measured in square feet. In fact, my tiny kitchen boasts a mighty line-up of nontoxic heroes, ready to whip up delicious and health-conscious meals without compromising on my (or the planet's) well-being.
From Stovetop to Storage:
First things first, ditch the chemical-laden cookware. I swear by my cast iron skillets and stainless steel pots and pans. They heat evenly, cook like a dream, and bonus points for being virtually indestructible (perfect for bumpy road adventures!). If you cook your food with a plastic spatula, please stop doing that, opt for non coated bamboo spoons and spatulas. For utensils, stainless steel is your best friend! For storage, I opt for glass containers with a bamboo lid and silicone ring. Plastic cutting boards might be the worst idea ever, try a bamboo cutting board instead!
I never skip coffee, but many coffee makers and keurigs are filled with plastic, so I use a stainless steel moka pot, or a porcelain pour over. Another alternative is a stainless steel french press. I love myself a lovely cup of tea at the end of the day, I got this enamel tea set and I adore it! I love ice coffee, so I keep this small silicone ice cube tray in my freezer, it is the perfect size and most importantly - non toxic!
For drinkware, I use either glass, stainless steel or enamel cups. I use a stainless steel water bottle.
For doing the dishes, I clean my cast iron with a bamboo pot scraper, wash my dishes with a bamboo dish brush. I use dr bronners soap to wash my dishes!
Spices & Staples:
I try my best to eat an organic, whole foods diet, meaning no processed foods. As best I can I avoid seed oils, ingredients with chemicals, high fructose corn syrup, dyes, etc… it is a good habit to read labels because you would be surprised how many sneaky bad ingredients are in everyday foods. My pantry storage holds essentials like organic beans, whole grains, nut butters, and nuts and seeds - all meticulously chosen for their clean labels and nutrient punch. I keep my fridge stocked with fresh organic vegetables and fruits, herbs, organic pasture raised eggs and organic almond milk. In my freezer you can find frozen organic fruit, veggie burgers and ice cream (because I cannot be perfect!). I always buy organic seasonings in glass containers. Same with oil, I buy olive oil and coconut oil in glass containers.
Clean Cleaning Crew:
Let's face it, in such a small space, using harsh chemicals can be seriously damaging. I personally love the brand branch basics. They tackle everything from greasy pans to sticky countertops, leaving the air smelling fresh and my conscience clear.
Living in a truck camper has taught me that small spaces can hold big wellness. By choosing non toxic kitchen products, I nourish my body, protect the planet, and even add a touch of eco-conscious style to my tiny home on wheels. So, whether you're a fellow road warrior or live in a sprawling mansion, remember, small choices can make a big difference.
